Working at Milton Keynes Short Breaks and Shared Lives

Staff and carers had an understanding of abuse and the safeguarding procedures... Detailed risk assessments and behaviour management plans were in place... arrangements in place for the service to make sure that action was taken and lessons learned when things went wrong.

Staff and carers at all levels had a strong belief that they were providing the best possible care... confident and empowered in their roles... One member of staff said, 'I love working here, there's always someone you can turn to if you need help.'

There were enough staff to provide people with the support they required. Staff said they felt there were sufficient staff to meet people's needs and contingency plans were in place to manage unplanned absences.

Staff and carers were provided with an extensive induction and on-going training was available... They had received training in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)... clinical nurse specialist to provide training... in stoma care, medicines administration, epilepsy and autism.

All the staff we spoke with told us the registered manager always listened to them and supported them to do their job in the best possible way. One member of staff said, 'The service is run really well, everyone works together as a team. I love working here.'

The entire staff team were committed to using Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)... we have seen a reduction in anxiety and behaviours of concern... created an experience where they meet for the day once a week to play music as a band and then have a game of football.